Applied Behaviour Analysis

 

ABA stands for Applied Behaviour Analysis, a scientific approach to evaluating and changing behaviour that is backed by years of research and analysis. ABA focuses on explaining how people learn behaviours and skills. It is rooted in the principles of behaviour such as positive reinforcement and extinction. 

Over the past 40 years a large body of research has demonstrated the successful use of ABA in reducing problem behaviours and increasing appropriate skills for individuals with autism and related disorders. Behaviour analysts use precise data and base their decisions on systematic observations and measurement.

Behaviour analysis is not only applied in intervention programmes for autism. Like other applied sciences, ABA is concerned with a range of populations and settings: addictions, phobias, depression, anxiety, health and sport etc.

More information about behaviour analysis and ABA is available at the websites of UK Society of Behaviour Analysis ( www.uk-sba.org)    and the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board ( www.bacb.com).

What we teach in an ABA programme

An effective ABA intervention program should be build on the child's interests, break tasks down into small, easy-to-learn steps, actively engage the child's attention in structured activities and provide regular reinforcement. An ABA program should focus on making learning tasks interesting so that the child will be motivated to learn.  Another important component of an ABA programme is sufficient data collection to be able to systemically monitor the progress.

Some of the skill domains assessed and addressed in an ABA programme:

  • Speech and communication

  • Listener skills- receptive language , following instructions

  • Imitation skills

  • Social skills

  • Play Skills

  • Self Help Skills ( e.g. toileting , feeding , dressing , grooming etc)

  • Community skills ( crossing road, shopping etc)

  • Leisure skills

  • Classroom and Group skills

  • Academic skills ( maths , reading , writing etc)

  • Barriers to learning / Challenging behaviours

  • Learning to Learn skills

  • Fine and Gross Motor Skills

  • Leisure skills

  • Etc